Implant-Supported Dentures vs. Removable Dentures
Davis, CA
 Having to deal with tooth loss is tragic. Fortunately, advances in dental science have allowed for more and more options for replacing missing teeth. Dentures have long enjoyed prominence as the traditional go-to choice, but recently the balance of power has shifted to dental implants. Other methods of treatment are also available.
However, do implant-supported dentures work better than removable dentures? By learning more about the strengths and weaknesses of each, you can better equip yourself to make an informed decision about which one is the right choice for you.
Removable Dentures
When patients learn they need dentures, they usually think they’ll end up with traditional removable dentures since those are the kind most everyone is well familiar with. However, just like the other tooth replacement options, removable dentures have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Removable Dentures
Removable dentures appeal to many people because of their familiarity, and since they cost less than implant-supported dentures. It’s also easy to repair or replace them if they get broken or lost.
Disadvantages of Removable Dentures
However, removable dentures have considerable drawbacks. First of all, they might not fit securely or comfortably in your mouth. They tend to move around when the patient uses them, and this is something the patient must get used to. Removable dentures are also held in place by a (potentially messy) dental adhesive, and the user must remove them for maintenance and cleansing.
Not only are removable dentures often costly, but the cost of maintaining them over time adds up. Implant-supported dentures cost more at the outset, but they require considerably less maintenance.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Many of our patients have agreed that implant-supported dentures are far more convenient and comfortable than are removable dentures. They have several strengths and one primary weakness.
Advantages of Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are permanently attached to the jaw bone by way of abutments (screw-like posts) made of titanium. The titanium bonds with the jaw bone in a process called osseointegration. The abutments stimulate the jaw bone to keep it healthy, just like the roots of your natural teeth. Removable dentures do not stimulate the bone, so it runs the risk of disintegration.
Attaching dentures to dental implants allows for much more stability and comfort. This is one of the strongest advantages of implant-supported dentures. This type of prosthetic teeth is extremely similar to your natural teeth in feel, function, and appearance.
Caring for implant-supported dentures is also quite simple. Since they fit in your mouth like regular teeth, you can brush and floss them just like you would your normal teeth. You also won’t need to use any special kinds of adhesives or cleansing products.
Disadvantages of Implant-Supported Dentures
The main drawback of implant-supported dentures is they cost considerably more than removable dentures. Patients who pick them must pay for the dentures themselves in addition to the surgical procedure. However, since removable dentures need so much maintenance, that fact may level the field in terms of cost.
For more information, please contact our office at (530) 756-5300.
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